Pierce County Office of Involuntary Commitment v. Western State Hospital

These cases are before the court for direct review of writs of mandamus issued to Western State Hospital and the Department of Social and Health Services, requiring them to accept for evaluation persons presented to Western State Hospital by mental health professionals, pursuant to RCW 71.05.150(2). It is the position of the appellants that the hospital is not obliged to accept patients if all of the beds in the evaluation and treatment facility are occupied. The question is governed by statute. Under RCW 71.05.020(16),

"[e]valuation and treatment facility" means any facility which can provide…